Franconia Ridge

Franconia, New Hampshire

A steady climb alongside tumbling cascades to a classic alpine traverse with endless views to either side, then a dramatic descent past the AMC Greenleaf Hut. The Franconia Ridge is one of the most dramatic alpine ridge walks in the north-east, a “must” on every avid hiker’s list—at least the portion that includes Mounts Lafayette, Lincoln, and Little Haystack.
The classic route, which is described here, is to ascend via the Falling Waters Trail to the top of Little Haystack, cross the ridge over Lincoln to Lafayette, and then descend via the Old Bridle Path to close the loop. Some prefer to hike the loop in reverse, although the Falling Waters Trail is easier to go up than down, especially if conditions are wet. The Falling Waters Trail and Old Bridle Path begin as one trail.

A steady climb alongside tumbling cascades to a classic alpine traverse with endless views to either side, then a dramatic descent past the AMC Greenleaf Hut. The Franconia Ridge is one of the most dramatic alpine ridge walks in the north-east, a “must” on every avid hiker’s list—at least the portion that includes Mounts Lafayette, Lincoln, and Little Haystack.

The classic route, which is described here, is to ascend via the Falling Waters Trail to the top of Little Haystack, cross the ridge over Lincoln to Lafayette, and then descend via the Old Bridle Path to close the loop. Some prefer to hike the loop in reverse, although the Falling Waters Trail is easier to go up than down, especially if conditions are wet. The Falling Waters Trail and Old Bridle Path begin as one trail.